Japan Times: Japan pledges $2.9 billion to support countries pursuing universal health coverage
“Japan will contribute about $2.9 billion to programs combating infectious disease and treating young children in developing countries that are pursuing universal health coverage, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday at an international forum on the topic in Tokyo. … Abe made the announcement alongside U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and world leaders attending the Universal Health Coverage Forum, which was organized by the Japanese government and international organizations including the World Bank and World Health Organization…” (12/14).

U.N. News Centre: In Japan, U.N. chief spotlights power of universal health coverage to unlock economic growth
“Health is everyone’s right and a driver of economic development, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed Thursday, expressing the U.N.’s readiness to help countries move towards health coverage for all. … Noting that every $1 spent on health yields up to $20 in full-income growth within a generation, Mr. Guterres stressed the critical importance of political commitment to unlocking these investments. … The secretary general will convene a General Assembly high-level meeting on universal health coverage in 2019…” (12/14).